Psalms

Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!

Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin!

I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins.

I have sinned against you---only against you--- and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me.

I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful.

Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom.

Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again.

Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil.

Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me.

Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me.

Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.

Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness.

Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you.

You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings.

My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.

O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.